Durian farmers in Vietnam are experiencing concerns due to saltwater intrusion and drought in the country's primary durian production area, potentially reducing yield and quality. Vo Huu Thoai, director of the Southern Fruit Institute, highlighted the prolonged drought and seawater intrusion as critical issues affecting durian farms' yield and quality.
The Mekong Delta, responsible for half of the country's durian output, has seen significant impacts from shifting weather patterns and increased saltwater intrusion, exacerbated by hydropower dams on the Mekong River. A state of emergency was declared due to a severe fresh water shortage, attributed to drought and salinization.
Durian trees, highly susceptible to saltwater, face threats that could worsen without swift action on proposed solutions. Vietnam's durian export value reached $2.3 billion last year, with a significant portion going to China. However, the current environmental challenges pose uncertainties to future growth projections. In contrast, Malaysia's durian production, particularly the Musang King variety, may benefit from the regional heat wave, potentially increasing competition for Vietnam. The shift of Vietnamese farmers from other crops to durians has led to an oversupply concern, with the country's durian cultivation area now exceeding planned targets, yet only a small fraction meets export requirements to China.
Source: e.vnexpress.net